rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Billy Joe Hughes

Billy Joe Hughes, age 67, of Pinckard, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 2, 2025. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Magnolia Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Raymond Rivers officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church. 

Billy was born on February 22, 1958, in Heidelberg, Germany to David Jacklin “Jack” Hughes and Mary Barr Skipper. He was self-employed as a long-haul truck driver, a career that reflected his hardworking nature. 

In his spare time, Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Gunsmoke, and cheering on Alabama football. Always eager to explore new experiences, he had recently taken up scuba diving and proudly earned his certification within the last year. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Gene “Donnie” Hughes. 

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Stephanie Hughes Quincey (Matthew); grandchildren, Emma Quincey Fleming (Caleb); Reid Quincey; mother, Mary Skipper(Charles); father, David “Jack” Hughes (Martha); brothers, David J. Hughes, Jr. (Lottie) and Richard Hughes; sister, Jackie Hughes Whitehead; step-brother, David Mims (Kathy); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends including Sabrina Proctor (Shane), Hayley Archie (Travis), Donald Hughes, Jr.,Ethan Hughes, Austin Whitehead, Cameron Whitehead. Great nieces and nephews include Cooper Procter, Eli Archie, Donald Hughes III, and Hannah Hughes.

Jane Smith Wells

BAKER HILL…Jane Smith Wells, a resident of the Baker Hill Community, died Saturday, October 4, 2025 at her residence. She was 89.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations.

 

HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.

Mr. Archie Fondren

Mr. Archie Fondren

Mr. Archie Fondren of Hartford went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Southeast Health surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Hartford Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Cox, and Rev. Bruce Spivey officiating, and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow in the Hartford City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday one hour prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Archie’s memory with your contribution to the Hartford Baptist Church, 105 East Birch St. Hartford AL 36344.

Mr.  Fondren was born on April 13, 1936, in Geneva County to the late Daniel Webster and Leola Morris Fondren. Archie was a family man. Everything he did was with the purpose of leading them to God. He enjoyed spending time with his family at Compass Lake since the early 1970’s.  Archie had a servant’s heart. He served faithfully in his church, Hartford Baptist, where he was a Sunday school teacher for the Baracca class for over 50 years, and as a deacon for over 60 years.  Archie was a member of the Hartford Lions Club where he served as Past President, a member of the Hartford Civic Club, and a past school board member for the Geneva County School Board. Archie believed in community involvement, family, and most importantly, God. These are the values he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, a son, Mark Fondren; granddaughter, Rachel Fondren; sisters: Ruth Gavins, and Martha Coe; brothers: Clifford Fondren, Claude Fondren, and William Fondren, all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Sue Green Fondren; daughter, Suzanne Bush (Scott); son, Paul Fondren (Janie); grandchildren: Patrick Fondren (Shelby), Sarah Jane Reed (Dustin), Maggie Branson (Bobby), and Will Bush; great grandchildren: Rhett Fondren, Myles Fondren, and Lincoln Reed; sister, Faye Wright; brother, Jimmy Ray Fondren (Pat); nieces, nephews, other extended family; and special friends, Jimmy and Mary Lou Hendrix.

Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb

(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.

“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”

To sign a guest register, please visit

www.sorrellsfuneral.com.

 

 

Baltazar Arredondo Flores

Baltazar Arredondo Flores

Baltazar Arredondo Flores, known affectionately as Guero to his friends and family, passed away on October 2, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama at the age of 57. Born on May 30, 1968, in El Capulin Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Baltazar was a man whose spirit and vitality were as rich and expansive as his roots.

In 1990, Baltazar married the love of his life, Salome Castro Arredondo , and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their union was blessed with three wonderful children: Eduardo, who preceded him in death, and daughters, Marissa and Anabella, who continue to carry on his legacy of kindness and strength. Baltazar was also a doting grandfather to Olivia and Juliette Gonzalez, who brought immense joy and light into his life.

The son of Santos Arredondo Donjuan and Eleuteria Flores Rodriguez, Baltazar was one of ten siblings, sharing his childhood with four brothers and five sisters. His family was a source of unwavering support and played a significant role in shaping the man he became.

Baltazar’s work ethic was unparalleled, and he dedicated over three decades of his life to Dothan Tarpaulin Products Inc, where he was not just an employee but a respected and valued member of the team. His commitment to his work was only matched by his devotion to his faith. As a devout Christian, Baltazar was an active member of Saint Columba Catholic Church, where he found solace and fellowship.

Baltazar’s interests were a reflection of his adventurous and friendly spirit. He never missed an opportunity to engage with the world around him. Whether it was riding his sports motorcycle with the wind in his face, enjoying the serene beauty of the beach, or savoring the flavors of homecooked Mexican food, he embraced life’s pleasures with gusto. His bravery knew no bounds, and this was evident in his love for riding motorcycles and his passion for firearms.

Beyond his hobbies, Baltazar was a man who loved his family’s gatherings. His outgoing nature meant he never met a stranger, and his spirited conversations and laughter were the highlights of many family parties. Baltazar’s presence was a comforting constant, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome and loved was one of his most remarkable gifts.

Baltazar will be remembered as a man who lived life to the fullest. His adventurous spirit, friendly demeanor, and spirited heart made him a beloved figure in the lives of all who knew him. His stories, his laughter, and his brave soul have left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community.

As we bid farewell to Baltazar Arredondo Flores, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the work he accomplished, and the profound love he shared. He was a beacon of light and joy, and though he may be gone from this earth, his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Rest in peace, Baltazar; your memory will forever be cherished.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 12:30pm in the Saint Columba Catholic Church with Father Perkins officiating. Baltazar will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Sunset Funeral Home following the Mass on Sunday from 3-5pm.

 

Baltazar Arredondo Flores, conocido cariñosamente como Güero por sus amigos y familiares, falleció el 2 de octubre de 2025 en Dothan, Alabama, a la edad de 57 años. Nacido el 30 de mayo de 1968 en El Capulín Río Verde, San Luis Potosí, México, Baltazar fue un hombre con un espíritu y una vitalidad tan ricos y expansivos como sus raíces.

En 1990, Baltazar se casó con el amor de su vida, Salome Castro Arredondo, y juntos construyeron una vida llena de amor, risas y preciados recuerdos. Su unión fue bendecida con tres maravillosos hijos: Eduardo, quien falleció antes que él, y sus hijas, Marissa y Anabella, quienes continúan perpetuando su legado de bondad y fortaleza. Baltazar también fue un abuelo cariñoso para Olivia y Juliette González, quienes aportaron inmensa alegría y luz a su vida.

Hijo de Santos Arredondo Donjuan y Eleuteria Flores Rodríguez, Baltazar fue uno de diez hermanos y compartió su infancia con cuatro hermanos y cinco hermanas. Su familia fue un apoyo incondicional y jugó un papel fundamental en la formación del hombre en el que se convirtió.

La ética de trabajo de Baltazar fue inigualable, y dedicó más de tres décadas de su vida a Dothan Tarpaulin Products Inc., donde no solo fue un empleado, sino un miembro respetado y valioso del equipo. Su compromiso con el trabajo solo fue comparable con su devoción a la fe. Como cristiano devoto, Baltazar fue miembro activo de la Iglesia Católica de San Columba, donde encontró consuelo y compañerismo

Los intereses de Baltazar reflejaban su espíritu aventurero y amigable. Nunca perdía la oportunidad de conectar con el mundo que lo rodeaba. Ya fuera conduciendo su motocicleta deportiva con el viento en la cara, disfrutando de la serena belleza de la playa o saboreando los sabores de la comida mexicana casera, disfrutaba de los placeres de la vida con entusiasmo. Su valentía no tenía límites, y esto se evidenciaba en su amor por las motocicletas y su pasión por las armas de fuego.

Más allá de sus aficiones, Baltazar era un hombre que amaba las reuniones familiares. Su carácter extrovertido le permitía conocer a cualquier desconocido, y sus animadas conversaciones y risas eran el punto culminante de muchas fiestas familiares. La presencia de Baltazar era una constante reconfortante, y su capacidad para hacer que cualquiera se sintiera bienvenido y querido era uno de sus dones más notables.

Baltazar será recordado como un hombre que vivió la vida al máximo. Su espíritu aventurero, su actitud amable y su corazón vivaz lo convirtieron en una figura querida en la vida de quienes lo conocieron. Sus historias, su risa y su alma valiente han dejado una huella imborrable en su familia, amigos y comunidad.

Al despedir a Baltazar Arredondo Flores, nos reconforta saber que su legado perdurará a través de las vidas que conmovió, la labor que realizó y el profundo amor que compartió. Fue un faro de luz y alegría, y aunque ya no esté en este mundo, su espíritu seguirá inspirándonos y guiándonos. Descansa en paz, Baltazar; tu recuerdo será recordado por siempre.

Se celebrará una misa de entierro cristiano el domingo 5 de octubre de 2025 a las 12:30 p. m. en la capilla de la Iglesia Católica de San Columba, oficiada por el Padre Perkins. Baltazar será enterrado en el Cementerio Sunset Memorial Park. La familia recibirá a sus amigos en la Funeraria Sunset después de la misa del domingo, de 3:00 p. m. a 5:00 p. m.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

Carol Dean Kyle

Carol Dean Kyle

Carol Dean Kyle went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama lovingly surrounded by his family. Born in Columbus, Georgia, on March 27, 1941, Dean’s life was characterized by his passion for flying and his love for family. His legacy is carried on by his children, Deana Kyle, Anitra (Earl) Hitchcock, and Sam (Lindsey) Kyle; and his cherished grandchildren, Haleigh Butz, Daniel (Jessica) Hitchcock, Hayden Butz, Harley Butz, William (Cherisa) Hitchcock, Baylea Kyle, Lynn (Alex) Mest, and Luke (Nealy) Kyle, along with twelve great-grandchildren. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Gladys Bozeman Kyle, his brother Dale Kyle, and his niece, Michelle Kyle.

Dean’s early life in Columbus laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. After graduating, he proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran, flying C-130 aircraft in the Air Force for four years. His skills in the sky led him to a 13-year career with Pan Am, where he flew all over the world, fulfilling his childhood dream as his first word had been “plane.” Dean’s love for aviation continued as he spent 20 years crop dusting, a testament to his dedication to flying. Dean’s aviation career spanned a glorious 34 years.

Apart from his time in the skies, Dean was a talented machinist. He owned and operated a machine shop in Dothan, where he reveled in the art of crafting and using lathes. His move back to Columbus was marked by care for his mother, during which he also drove a train at Callaway Gardens. Embracing his love for locomotives, Dean built his own train ride to bring joy to birthday parties and special events. In 2020, he returned to Dothan to live with his daughter and her husband, where he continued to pursue his passions.

Dean’s interests and talents were as vast as the skies he once navigated. A tinkerer at heart, he had the remarkable ability to build anything he set his mind to. His love for Alabama football was matched only by his determination and playful spirit, often remembered for his love of pranks—though he never quite enjoyed being on the receiving end. An avid collector, Dean found joy in acquiring treasures on eBay, and his philosophy of never wasting anything spoke to his practical and resourceful nature.

A man of many talents, Dean could play the organ and had an ear for music that enriched the lives of those around him. His entrepreneurial spirit was always at work, as he was perpetually finding ways to make a dollar. Above all, Dean was a true patriot, deeply committed to the prosperity and greatness of his country.

Dean Kyle was indeed adventurous, intelligent, and wise—a man whose life was as full and varied as the many aircraft he piloted. His stories and exploits will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A graveside service to honor the remarkable life of Dean Kyle will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park with Jim Corley officiating. His spirit takes flight into eternity, leaving behind a trail of memories and inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rest in peace, Dean, your legacy will continue to soar in our hearts forever.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory 1700 Barrington Road Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604

Mr. JL Hughes

Mr. JL Hughes

SOUTHERN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

1000 HODGESVILLE ROAD

DOTHAN, ALABAMA 36301

334-702-1712

www.southernheritagefh.com

JL Hughes, a resident of Dothan, died Thursday, October 2, 2025 at his residence. He was 90.

Funeral services for JL will be held at 11 AM Monday, October 6, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Brother Billy Rich officiating. Burial will follow at Memphis Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 10:45 AM Monday prior to the service at the funeral home.

JL was born January 7, 1935 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Travis and Ida Lee Hughes. He was raised in Dothan in a farming family and later moved to Auburndale, Florida where he was a Foreman in the Paving business. JL had a great sense of humor and loved a good practical joke and enjoyed fishing. He was a member of Memphis Baptist Church.

JL is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carleene Hughes; two sisters and four brothers.

Survivors include his daughter, Rhonda Jowers; granddaughter, Chistina Jones (Mike); grandchildren, Ashton and Adyson Jones; sister, Ann Stewart (Wesley), Nell Harrell and sisters in law, Betty Joyce Gunter, Era Jo Holmes and Katie Hughes.

Skip to content